same principle of order is transferred to Gospel times.  Here, there may be liberty, but there must be regularity.  This is taught in that general commendation of Paul to the Colossian christians for the order and steadfastness that rejoiced him. (Col. ii. 5.) But if regularity in other things is pleasing to God under the New Dispensation, why is it not in this divinest work of an intelligent being?  This is specifically shown in the injunction of Paul to the Corinthians,*[1 Cor.  Xvi. 2.] for each one to lay by him in store on the first day of the week, as God had prospered him.  Now, without pushing this text to extremes, and affirming that the Holy Ghost intended to require of all christians in all circumstances and in all ages, to contribute a portion of their substance in charity every Sabbath, the passage most distinctly shows that God is pleased with systematic benevolence—­with stated appropriations of income to objects of munificence.  As order is nature’s first law, so it is of the Scriptures.

System in our benefactions is thus clearly a duty devolving on all.  It is alike the voice within and the voice from heaven.  It cannot be neglected without imminent peril.  It is a subject of vital interest.  It must be deeply pondered.  It must be earnestly prayed over.  The great idea must enter, like a consuming fire, into the very heart’s core, and inflaming it with zeal, bring forth fruit an hundred fold to the Lord.

One thing more.  Every man is bound to make the most of his being.  All his powers, both of body and of mind, are to be taxed to the utmost, and exerted in the most effective manner.  Each duty, without intrenching on others, should be performed in such a way, as best to secure the end aimed at in the obligation.  Manner may not be disregarded.  If there is reason to believe that the end contemplated in the obligation to beneficence may be best reached by a course of systematic effort, the very fact should lead to its immediate adoption.  At the close of the preceding arguments, without reasoning in a circle, this may be adduced as a consideration of no small force, inducing every one to cast about him, and solemnly consider whether he is conducting his charities in the most efficient method; manner and spirit being as binding as the generous deed itself.  And on this principle, every precept, promise, and example of revelation, enforcing benevolence, is really a precept, promise, and example, arousing to systematic benevolence.  The same is true of the various incentives to this glorious work, offered in the ensuing pages; and in this light let the reader regard them.